19 Of what use is an offering of fruitto an idol?It can’t eat or smell.The person whom the Lord punishesis like this,
20 looking with the eyes and groaninglike a eunuch who embracesa young woman and groans.
21 Don’t let grief take you over,and don’t distress yourself on purpose.
22 A joyful heart means lifefor a human being,and a person’s rejoicingprovides long life.
23 Distract yourself, cheer yourself up,and keep grief far away from youbecause grief has destroyed many,and there’s no benefit in it.
24 Jealousy and angershorten a person’s life,and anxiety brings old agebefore its time.
25 Those who are cheerfuland contented at mealswill attend well to their food.